Summer Squash: Dixie (Cucurbita pepo)

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Dixie is a smooth skin hybrid yellow crookneck that consistently produces high yields of excellent quality fruit. The 5-6" long fruits are early-maturing, uniform, lemony yellow in color and holds well after picking and tastiest when 4-6" long. Low in calories and a good source of vitamin A . ​This variety is excellent for freezing and canning.

Hardiness: Tender. These tender annuals originated in the tropics and can't stand cold weather or frost.

Crops:Spring Transplant, Summer

Growing Season:Short, long

Growing Conditions:Warm, Hot. These tender annuals originated in the tropics and love hot weather. They can't stand cold soil so don't plant them until it has warmed up (ideally to at least 70 degrees F). Use black plastic to warm the soil if necessary.

Outdoor Growing Temp:60°F - 90°F

Min Outdoor Soil Temp:70°F. Don't plant out until the soil temperature is close to 70 degrees.

Start Indoors: Yes

Start Outdoors: Yes

Light:Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Full sun.

Water: High. The plants need an evenly moist soil for maximum productivity. The best way to water Squash is with soaker hose, as wet foliage can easily lead to fungus diseases.

Containers?: Yes. Plant in a large pot with 12" depth. Be sure to provide the plants with ample fertilizer, like compost tea regularly. These hungry plants cannot search for their nutrient needs and will have to rely on you to provide them in order to produce decent size squash.

Soil Preparation

Soil Preference:Soil pH:6.0-7.0, Ideal 6.3-6.5. Summer Squash is a hungry and fast growing crop that produces a lot of biomass. To do this it needs a well drained, moisture retentive, fertile soil, with lots of organic matter. It doesn't do well on acid or saline soils.

Soil Preparation:Standard Mix, 1 cup(s) per plant, in top 6" of soil, 1 time:A cup of standard mix per plant will supply any additional nutrients required. Incorporate it into the soil with the compost. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:

4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)

Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed. ​

Compost (N), 2 inch(es), in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Squash have a very vigorous root system, which may go down 6 feet in its search for nutrients. Add 2˝ of compost or aged manure to the top 6˝ of soil, to supply nutrients and to increase the ability of the soil to hold moisture.

Start indoors

Seed Sowing Depth:0.5" to 2.0". Plant 1/2" in cold soil, and up to 2" in warm soil (where it is more moist).

Total weeks to grow transplant:14 to 15 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)

Germinate: 1 week before last frost date. Early Squash is usually started indoors, because spring growing weather is often less than ideal and by starting indoors you have stocky little plants ready to put outside. This is better than having to wait for seed to germinate in cold soil. Cucurbits in general dislike transplanting, so start them in individual containers. I like to use 4˝ pots as they allow you some time before the seedlings must be planted out. If containers are smaller than this you may have to pot them up before planting out, which is an additional chore. Plant two seeds in each pot. After they have both emerged, you should remove the inferior one (pinch it off to avoid disturbing the remaining one).

Harden Off: 1-2 weeks after last frost date. Allow the starts to adjust to outdoor temperatures. Place outside for one week before transplanting into their bed.

Transplant Outdoors

2-3 weeks after last frost date:It’s important to plant the seedlings out as soon as they have 3 leaves. Don’t delay as they will quickly outgrow their pots and get root-bound.

1. Plant them as deep as their first true leaves. If cold weather threatens to return, you can cover them with cloches.

Warm, Hot: These tender annuals originated in the tropics and love hot weather. They can't stand cold soil so don't plant them until it has warmed up (ideally to at least 70 degrees F). Use black plastic to warm the soil if necessary.

When outdoor temp: 60°F to 90°F, optimal temp 65°F to 75°F

When min soil temp:70°F. Don't plant out until the soil temperature is close to 70 degrees.

Spacing:18"-24", (1 per 2'x2') plants per sq ft.

Intensive beds:Squash grow into big plants that need a lot of space. They are spaced 24 to 36" apart, depending upon how large the particular variety gets. You could plant your Squash down the center of the bed and fill in the rest of the space with a fast growing crop. Because squash spread out, it's a good idea to plant at the edge of the garden, where they have minimal impact on their neighbors.

Support:Optional. Bush varieties don't need any support; the vine varieties take up a lot less space if grown vertically on trellises or cages.

Start outdoors

Seed Sowing Depth:0.5" to 2.0". Sow the seed 1/2" deep in cold soil and up to 2" deep in warm soil.

Germinate:0-2 weeks after last frost date. Early Cucumbers are usually started indoors, because the soil outside may not be warm enough for good germination (even though the air may be warm enough for their growth). You can hasten soil warming with a black plastic mulch. Cucumbers dislike transplanting, so are usually started in individual 3˝ or 4˝ containers, 2 seeds to a pot (later thinned to the best one). Don’t use smaller containers, as the seedlings grow so quickly you will soon have to re-pot them. Be careful not to overwater germinating seeds or they may rot. It's best to soak the ground or the potting soil heavily when first planting, then avoid watering again if possible until seedlings emerge. (For seeds in potting soil, keep them warm but out of direct sunlight so that they don't dry out so fast.) Cucumber seeds emerge in 5+ days; very lightly water ground or potting soil around day 3 or 4 to keep soil from crusting so that seeds can emerge more easily.

Summer Squash is a vigorous plant and needs little care once established (unless you have insect problems). Often the main problem is keeping it from crowding other plants (give it plenty of space).

Water Needs:High. The plants need an evenly moist soil for maximum productivity. The best way to water Squash is with soaker hose, as wet foliage can easily lead to fungus diseases.

Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Summer Squash is a hungry and fast growing crop and needs a steady supply of nutrients.

Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.

Side Dressing, when 3" tall: Mulch, 2 inch(es), when 3" tall, 1 time. OPTIONAL: Mulch is helpful with these widely spaced plants, to keep down weeds and conserve moisture.

Watering, during fruit production:Water, 1 gallon(s) per plant, during fruit production, 2 times a week. The soil should be kept evenly moist at all times, but particularly when the plants are bearing fruit. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.

Support: Optional. Bush varieties don't need any support; the vine varieties take up a lot less space if grown vertically on trellises or cages.

Harvesting

Ripening: Harvest the fruit when they are 4 to 6" long, which should be about 4 to 6 days after pollination. Generally it's better to harvest them when still fairly small, though often they are still good when twice this size. If you pick them while they are small it's easier to consume all that are produced, so less are wasted.

Storage

The fruits are best used fairly promptly. They will keep in good condition in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, but by that time you will have many more new ones, so it's best to get rid of them quickly.

Storage Req: Refrigerator Storage Temp: °F Storage Length: 0-14 days

Squash are cross-pollinated by insects. They will not only cross with other varieties of Summer Squash, but also some kinds of Winter Squash. This means you have to hand pollinate them, or isolate by one half mile. As with most Cucurbits you should save the seed from at least 5 plants to ensure enough genetic variability.

Hand pollination isn't as complicated as you might imagine. Go out in the evening and find some male and female flowers that are about to open the following day and tape them shut with 3/4" masking tape. The next day you open a male flower (from a different plant) and remove its petals. You then carefully open the female flower without damaging the petals, brush the pollen-laden anthers from the male on to the pistil lobes of the female and then tape it closed again (to prevent further pollination). This procedure should work about 50 to 75% of the time. It works even better if 2 male flowers are used to pollinate each female. You will soon know if the above has worked because a successfully pollinated flower will swell rapidly (mark it carefully so it isn't accidentally harvested). If pollination wasn't successful the flower will soon fall off.

You must leave the fertilized squash to mature fully on the vine. This will slow down further fruit production, or may even stop it altogether. When the fruit is fully ripe it will get woody like a Winter Squash. It takes time for the fruit to ripen fully, so allow plenty of time before frost - at least 60 days). You then clean the ripe seed, dry it thoroughly and store in a cool dry place.

Seed Viability in Years: 3 - 6 yearsGermination Percentage:75%

Taste:Dense creamy, sweet, fresh flavor.

Culinary Use:Summer squash can be sauteed, steamed, roasted, grilled, used in stews, stuffed and made into soup. The fruits can be eaten when small for sweeter flavor.

Nutrition

Squash has a very rich nutritional profile that consists of various organic compounds, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, which are responsible for providing all its impressive health benefits. This list includes a huge amount of vitamin A, as well as significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, and folate. In terms of minerals, squash contains magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. It is also a very good source of carotenoids and other important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.

Health Benefits of Squash

​Boosts Immunity: Squash is an important source of many nutrients, including vitamin C, magnesium, and other antioxidant compounds. These vitamins and minerals are important antioxidant components in the body, which help to neutralize free radicals throughout the body. Free radicals are the dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism, and they have been connected with a wide swath of illnesses, including cancer, heart diseases, and premature aging. Furthermore, it contains very high levels of vitamin A, including carotenoid phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin. All of this together helps the body boost its immune response and defend against foreign substances, as well as the free radicals produced by our own body that may do us harm over the long term.

Manages Diabetes: Proper, regulated metabolism of sugar in the body is the best way to manage the symptoms of diabetes, a disease which afflicts millions of people all around the world. Squash is a great source of B-complex vitamins, all of which are essential in metabolic activity. Furthermore, certain types of squash contain good amounts of dietary fiber, including the polysaccharide known as pectin. Pectin is an essential element in blood sugar regulation throughout the body, making sure that the insulin and glucose activities within the body remain constant and smooth. This ensures proper function of different organ systems and a reduction in the plunges and peaks that can make the life of diabetics’ difficult.

Anti-inflammatory Capacity: Although talking about inflammation usually includes a discussion of arthritis or gout, it can occur throughout the body and is often a symptom of other conditions, like a fever that is a signal of an infection attacking the body. The anti-inflammatory activity of squash is due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, as well as somewhat unusual anti-inflammatory polysaccharides called homogalacturonan. Although anti-inflammatory effects can certainly extend to arthritis and gout, studies on squash have specifically linked its impact to reducing gastric and duodenal ulcer reduction, as well as to general anti-inflammation of the cardiovascular system. Inflammation in the body is closely linked to type-2 diabetes, which is yet another way in which it can help those suffering from that condition.

Prevents Infections: The natural immune-boosting ability of squash is great for general illnesses, but specific toxins and foreign bodies can also cause serious health issues. The seeds of squash can also be eaten or chewed to get a number of health benefits. These seeds have been directly connected to antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and antifungal activity within the body, protecting us from a wide variety of diseases, including tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.

Improves Lung Health: The vitamin in highest quantities within squash is vitamin A, and studies have linked vitamin A to a reduction in emphysema, particularly for those who are consistently exposed to carcinogens like cigarette smokes. There is also an important carotenoid called beta-cryptoxanthin that has been linked to a reduction in the occurrence of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of this terrible disease, so an increase in foods that contain vitamin A can be a very important protective element.

Treats Neural Tube Defects: Squash has significant levels of folate, which has long been known as an essential vitamin for pregnant women. Folic acid, or folate, is integral in developing the neural aspects of infant health. Neural tube defects have been directly linked to a deficiency in folic acid, so adding squash to your diet is always a good idea.

Protects Heart Health: The magnesium and potassium present in squash combine to form a very effective defense line against cardiovascular issues. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it relaxes the tension of blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing blood flow and reducing the stress on the heart. This also increases oxygenation to various organs of the body and improves their functioning. The fiber, including pectin, found in squash is very good at scraping excess cholesterol from the walls of arteries, thereby reducing the chances of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Finally, the high levels of folate in squash are able to neutralize harmful levels of homocysteine that builds up in the body. Homocysteine has been linked to increased chances of developing cardiovascular diseases.squashinfo02

Treats Asthma: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of squash have been linked to a reduction in asthmatic conditions, primarily because the irritation that causes asthma can be eliminated by eating a diet that includes squash.

Regulates Blood Circulation: Many varieties of squash have high levels of iron and copper, both of which are essential components of red blood cells. What this means is that with enough squash in your diet, you can reduce your chances of developing anemia (iron deficiency) and you can generally increase circulation within your bloodstream, which can increase oxygenation, brain function, and overall energy levels.

Improves Vision: It may be hard to believe, but a single serving of squash can contain more than 400% of your daily requirement for vitamin A, due to the massive amount of beta-carotene found in it. Beta-carotene can actually be split by an enzyme to form vitamin A, but the body will only convert as much as is necessary. In other words, eating squash will give your body all the vitamin A it needs, with plenty of beta-carotene to spare. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant compound essential for good eye health. High levels of beta-carotene have been connected with reduced chances of macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision issues.

Strengthens Bones: The high levels of essential vitamins found in squash make it a very important part of developing bone matter and bone mineral density. Squash is a valuable source of zinc, calcium, manganese, and other very important trace elements. This can help reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis as you age and ensure the strength and durability of your bones.

Word of Caution: There are so many wonderful benefits of squash, but it is important to recognize some of the potential problems. Squash fruits can lower blood pressure to a dangerous level, so people with hypotension should avoid consuming it. Other than that, enjoy the health benefits of squash in all your seasonal meals!